HARNETT, SHERRILL SMITH/AUDIT

MCpl Sherrill Harnett

Traffic Tech (Reserve) Log Flt, 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, Petawawa

Canadian Armed Forces

Sherril has served in Afghanistan and Iraq and Canada

"The cat was always ready to lend a helping paw."

Sherril notes:

“The images below are from when I was in Afghanistan and was deployed under the NSE - National Support Element. Part of my trade is doing HUSO, and still do now. I worked intimately with the Americans as well as the British rigging and slinging loads to have lifted to Forward Operating Bases of NATO forces. We supplied what ever was required - from water to armament (M777 Howitzers) ect. These operations just began when I was there due to great loss during convoy operations; this was a faster and much safer way to have the supplies moved.”

Sherril notes:

“The below are images Afghanistan 2007. Often we would send battle damaged vehicles back to Canada. This was could at time be a grim process as the battle stories often lingered inside the vehicles. As a Traffic Technician we were responsible from beginning to end to have all sent into and from deployments. This sadly included a delicate process for those returning home for their families to say good bye. The 2007 Roto experienced a high number of casualties.”

Pictures above, Erbil, Iraq

“My experience in Erbil Iraq was slightly different than Afghanistan. My job was more airfield based and worked jointly with the coalition with all the ins and outs of airlift transport. Work with fixed wing, mostly C17 and C130. We would arrange the transportation of the freight and passengers to and from the flight line. We work with vetted local transport drivers.

The political atmosphere was very heavy, as the county went thru a referendum. This closed the airport and limited the military window for in and out flights.

Dec of 2017 on my return after my 2 week break back home, our flight was held in Bagdad for 36 hrs. I was the only passenger with the aircrew. We were isolated on the C130 Herc waiting clearance into Erbil. We were not permitted to step off of the plane as it and us were held under guard. Food was brought to us however it was inspected first. We did have a washroom of sorts. It was an erie experience as we did not know what was going to happen.

I experienced a dust storm that lasted almost 3 days. Everything was red and impossible to see very far. During those brief storms we stayed in our accommodations. 

The compound was very small and was surrounded by very high walls. At times you felt claustrophobic. I was lucky to be able to work outside of our Canadian compound at the airfield.

Sherril further wrote:

“When I was little I would often sit on Grandpas lap at the dining room table as he read his newspaper and would ask questions about his experience. He never said too much- he did show me his medals and cap badge. Thru my teenage years I was in Army cadets until I was 18 and that was a connection that I shared with Grandpa. Sitting on his lap as a little girl and knowing what he did even if he said little made me feel safe and very grateful for his courage and strength as he did his part. I do not think it was an easy thing to do - leave the farm  for the war. My Grandpa has inspired me with my military experience.”